Informatics

21 pages, 4241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Federated Learning-Driven Cybersecurity Framework for IoT Networks with Privacy Preserving and Real-Time Threat Detection Capabilities

by Milad Rahmati and Antonino Pagano

Informatics 2025, 12(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12030062 - 4 Jul 2025

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem has transformed industries but also exposed significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Traditional centralized methods for securing IoT networks struggle to balance privacy preservation with real-time threat detection. This study presents a Federated Learning-Driven Cybersecurity Framework [...] Read more.

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem has transformed industries but also exposed significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Traditional centralized methods for securing IoT networks struggle to balance privacy preservation with real-time threat detection. This study presents a Federated Learning-Driven Cybersecurity Framework designed for IoT environments, enabling decentralized data processing through local model training on edge devices to ensure data privacy. Secure aggregation using homomorphic encryption supports collaborative learning without exposing sensitive information. The framework employs GRU-based recurrent neural networks (RNNs) for anomaly detection, optimized for resource-constrained IoT networks. Experimental results demonstrate over 98% accuracy in detecting threats such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, with a 20% reduction in energy consumption and a 30% reduction in communication overhead, showcasing the framework’s efficiency over traditional centralized approaches. This work addresses critical gaps in IoT cybersecurity by integrating federated learning with advanced threat detection techniques. It offers a scalable, privacy-preserving solution for diverse IoT applications, with future directions including blockchain integration for model aggregation traceability and quantum-resistant cryptography to enhance security. Full article

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25 pages, 2618 KiB

Open AccessReview

International Trends and Influencing Factors in the Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Education with the Application of Qualitative Methods

by Juan Luis Cabanillas-García

Informatics 2025, 12(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12030061 - 4 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study offers a comprehensive examination of the scientific output related to the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education using qualitative research methods, which is an emerging intersection that reflects growing interest in understanding the pedagogical, ethical, and methodological implications of AI [...] Read more.

This study offers a comprehensive examination of the scientific output related to the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education using qualitative research methods, which is an emerging intersection that reflects growing interest in understanding the pedagogical, ethical, and methodological implications of AI in educational contexts. Grounded in a theoretical framework that emphasizes the potential of AI to support personalized learning, augment instructional design, and facilitate data-driven decision-making, this study conducts a Systematic Literature Review and bibliometric analysis of 630 publications indexed in Scopus between 2014 and 2024. The results show a significant increase in scholarly output, particularly since 2020, with notable contributions from authors and institutions in the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. High-impact research is found in top-tier journals, and dominant themes include health education, higher education, and the use of AI for feedback and assessment. The findings also highlight the role of semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches in capturing the nuanced impacts of AI integration. The study concludes that qualitative methods remain essential for critically evaluating AI’s role in education, reinforcing the need for ethically sound, human-centered, and context-sensitive applications of AI technologies in diverse learning environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Informatics and Digital Humanities)

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35 pages, 1982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Mental Health Problems in Gay Men in Peru Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models

by Alejandro Aybar-Flores and Elizabeth Espinoza-Portilla

Informatics 2025, 12(3), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12030060 - 2 Jul 2025

Abstract

Mental health disparities among those who self-identify as gay men in Peru remain a pressing public health concern, yet predictive models for early identification remain limited. This research aims to (1) develop machine learning and deep learning models to predict mental health issues [...] Read more.

Mental health disparities among those who self-identify as gay men in Peru remain a pressing public health concern, yet predictive models for early identification remain limited. This research aims to (1) develop machine learning and deep learning models to predict mental health issues in those who self-identify as gay men, and (2) evaluate the influence of demographic, economic, health-related, behavioral and social factors using interpretability techniques to enhance understanding of the factors shaping mental health outcomes. A dataset of 2186 gay men from the First Virtual Survey for LGBTIQ+ People in Peru (2017) was analyzed, considering demographic, economic, health-related, behavioral, and social factors. Several classification models were developed and compared, including Logistic Regression, Artificial Neural Networks, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Machines, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and a One-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (1D-CNN). Additionally, the Shapley values and Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP) heatmaps methods were used to evaluate the influence of the studied variables on the prediction of mental health issues. The results revealed that the 1D-CNN model demonstrated the strongest performance, achieving the highest classification accuracy and discrimination capability. Explainability analyses underlined prior infectious diseases diagnosis, access to medical assistance, experiences of discrimination, age, and sexual identity expression as key predictors of mental health outcomes. These findings suggest that advanced predictive techniques can provide valuable insights for identifying at-risk individuals, informing targeted interventions, and improving access to mental health care. Future research should refine these models to enhance predictive accuracy, broaden applicability, and support the integration of artificial intelligence into public health strategies aimed at addressing the mental health needs of this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Informatics)

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15 pages, 1079 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Time Series Users’ Reactions on Instagram and Its Statistical Modeling

by Yasuhiro Sato and Yuhei Doka

Informatics 2025, 12(3), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12030059 - 27 Jun 2025

Abstract

For the last decade, social networking services (SNS), such as X, Facebook, and Instagram, have become mainstream media for advertising and marketing. In SNS marketing, word-of-mouth among users can spread posted advertising information, which is known as viral marketing. In this study, we [...] Read more.

For the last decade, social networking services (SNS), such as X, Facebook, and Instagram, have become mainstream media for advertising and marketing. In SNS marketing, word-of-mouth among users can spread posted advertising information, which is known as viral marketing. In this study, we first analyzed the time series of user reactions to Instagram posts to clarify the characteristics of user behavior. Second, we modeled these variations using statistical distributions to predict the information diffusion of future posts and to provide some insights into the factors that affect users’ reactions on Instagram using the estimated parameters of the modeling. Our results demonstrate that user reactions have a peak value immediately after posting and decrease drastically and exponentially as time elapses. In addition, modeling with the Weibull distribution is the most suitable for user reactions, and the estimated parameters help identify key factors that influence user reactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Informatics and Digital Humanities)

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18 pages, 4253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Emotional Landscape of Technological Innovation: A Data-Driven Case Study of ChatGPT’s Launch

by Lowri Williams and Pete Burnap

Informatics 2025, 12(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12030058 - 22 Jun 2025

Abstract

The rapid development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have sparked intense public interest and debate. While these innovations promise to revolutionise various aspects of human life, it is crucial to understand the complex emotional responses they elicit from potential adopters and [...] Read more.

The rapid development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have sparked intense public interest and debate. While these innovations promise to revolutionise various aspects of human life, it is crucial to understand the complex emotional responses they elicit from potential adopters and users. Such findings can offer crucial guidance for stakeholders involved in the development, implementation, and governance of AI technologies like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a large language model (LLM) that garnered significant attention upon its release, enabling more informed decision-making regarding potential challenges and opportunities. While previous studies have employed data-driven approaches towards investigating public reactions to emerging technologies, they often relied on sentiment polarity analysis, which categorises responses as positive or negative. However, this binary approach fails to capture the nuanced emotional landscape surrounding technological adoption. This paper overcomes this limitation by presenting a comprehensive analysis for investigating the emotional landscape surrounding technology adoption by using the launch of ChatGPT as a case study. In particular, a large corpus of social media texts containing references to ChatGPT was compiled. Text mining techniques were applied to extract emotions, capturing a more nuanced and multifaceted representation of public reactions. This approach allows the identification of specific emotions such as excitement, fear, surprise, and frustration, providing deeper insights into user acceptance, integration, and potential adoption of the technology. By analysing this emotional landscape, we aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing ChatGPT’s reception and potential long-term impact. Furthermore, we employ topic modelling to identify and extract the common themes discussed across the dataset. This additional layer of analysis allows us to understand the specific aspects of ChatGPT driving different emotional responses. By linking emotions to particular topics, we gain a more contextual understanding of public reaction, which can inform decision-making processes in the development, deployment, and regulation of AI technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Big Data Mining and Analytics)

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18 pages, 2689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blockchain-Enabled, Nature-Inspired Federated Learning for Cattle Health Monitoring

by Lakshmi Prabha Ganesan and Saravanan Krishnan

Informatics 2025, 12(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12030057 - 20 Jun 2025

Abstract

Traditional cattle health monitoring systems rely on centralized data collection, posing significant challenges related to data privacy, network connectivity, model reliability, and trust. This study introduces a novel, nature-inspired federated learning (FL) framework for cattle health monitoring, integrating blockchain to ensure model validation, [...] Read more.

Traditional cattle health monitoring systems rely on centralized data collection, posing significant challenges related to data privacy, network connectivity, model reliability, and trust. This study introduces a novel, nature-inspired federated learning (FL) framework for cattle health monitoring, integrating blockchain to ensure model validation, system resilience, and reputation management. Inspired by the fission–fusion dynamics of elephant herds, the framework adaptively forms and merges subgroups of edge nodes based on six key parameters: health metrics, activity levels, geographical proximity, resource availability, temporal activity, and network connectivity. Graph attention networks (GATs) enable dynamic fission, while Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) supports subgroup fusion based on model similarity. Blockchain smart contracts validate model contributions and ensure that only high-performing models participate in global aggregation. A reputation-driven mechanism promotes reliable nodes and discourages unstable participants. Experimental results show the proposed framework achieves 94.3% model accuracy, faster convergence, and improved resource efficiency. This adaptive and privacy-preserving approach transforms cattle health monitoring into a more trustworthy, efficient, and resilient process. Full article

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Graphical abstract

23 pages, 9386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

IER-SMCEM: An Implicit Expression Recognition Model of Emojis in Social Media Comments Based on Prompt Learning

by Jun Zhang, Chaobin Wang, Ziyu Liu, Hongli Deng, Qinru Li and Bochuan Zheng

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020056 - 18 Jun 2025

Abstract

Financial text analytics methods are employed to examine social media comments, allowing investors to gain insights and make informed financial decisions. Some emojis within these comments often convey diverse semantics, emotions, or intentions depending on the context. However, traditional financial text analysis methods [...] Read more.

Financial text analytics methods are employed to examine social media comments, allowing investors to gain insights and make informed financial decisions. Some emojis within these comments often convey diverse semantics, emotions, or intentions depending on the context. However, traditional financial text analysis methods relying on public annotations struggle to identify implicit expressions, leading to suboptimal performance. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an implicit expression recognition model of emojis in social media comments (IER-SMCEM). Firstly, IER-SMCEM innovative designs a data enhancement method based on the implicit expression of emoji. This method expands the pure text financial sentiment analysis dataset into the implicit expression dataset of emoji by homophonic replacement. Secondly, IER-SMCEM designs a prompt learning template to identify the implicit expression of emoji. Through hand-designed templates, large-scale language models can predict the true meaning that emojis are most likely to express. Finally, IER-SMCEM recovers implicit expression by choosing the predictions of models. Thus, the downstream financial sentiment analysis model can more precisely realize the sentiment recognition of the text with emoji by the recovered text. The experimental results indicate that IER-SMCEM achieves a 98.03% accuracy in semantically recovering implicit expressions within financial texts. In the task of financial sentiment analysis, the sentiment analysis model achieves the highest accuracy of 3.99% after restoring the true implied expression of the texts. Therefore, the model can be effectively applied to sentiment analysis or quantitative analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Practical Applications of Sentiment Analysis)

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33 pages, 1867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Enhanced Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring for Smart Home Energy Optimization and User-Centric Interaction

by Xiang Li, Yunhe Chen, Xinyu Jia, Fan Shen, Bowen Sun, Shuqing He and Jia Guo

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020055 - 17 Jun 2025

Abstract

Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) technology, enabled by high-precision electrical data acquisition sensors at household entry points, facilitates real-time monitoring of electricity consumption, enhancing user interaction with smart home systems and reducing electrical safety risks. However, the growing diversity of household appliances and limitations [...] Read more.

Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) technology, enabled by high-precision electrical data acquisition sensors at household entry points, facilitates real-time monitoring of electricity consumption, enhancing user interaction with smart home systems and reducing electrical safety risks. However, the growing diversity of household appliances and limitations in NILM accuracy and robustness necessitate innovative solutions. Additionally, outdated public datasets fail to capture the rapid evolution of modern appliances. To address these challenges, we constructed a high-sampling-rate voltage–current dataset, measuring 15 common household appliances across diverse scenarios in a controlled laboratory environment tailored to regional grid standards (220 V/50 Hz). We propose an AI-driven NILM method that integrates power-mapped, color-coded voltage–current (V–I) trajectories with frequency-domain features to significantly improve load recognition accuracy and robustness. By leveraging deep learning frameworks, this approach enriches temporal feature representation through chromatic mapping of instantaneous power and incorporates frequency-domain spectrograms to capture dynamic load behaviors. A novel channel-wise attention mechanism optimizes multi-dimensional feature fusion, dynamically prioritizing critical information while suppressing noise. Comparative experiments on the custom dataset demonstrate superior performance, particularly in distinguishing appliances with similar load profiles, underscoring the method’s potential for advancing smart home energy management, user-centric energy feedback, and social informatics applications in complex electrical environments. Full article

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19 pages, 1630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourism Resource Evaluation Integrating FNN and AHP-FCE: A Case Study of Guilin

by Xujiang Qin, Zhuo Peng, Xin Zhang and Xiang Yang

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020054 - 17 Jun 2025

Abstract

With the rapid development of the tourism industry, scientific evaluation of tourism resources is crucial to realize sustainable development. Especially how to quantify resource advantages in international tourism cities has become an important basis for tourism planning and policy making. However, the limitations [...] Read more.

With the rapid development of the tourism industry, scientific evaluation of tourism resources is crucial to realize sustainable development. Especially how to quantify resource advantages in international tourism cities has become an important basis for tourism planning and policy making. However, the limitations of traditional evaluation methods in the allocation of indicator weights and nonlinear data processing make it difficult to meet the development needs of international tourism cities. Therefore, this study takes Guilin, an international tourist city, as the research object and proposes a hybrid framework integrating fuzzy neural network (FNN) and analytic hierarchy process-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (AHP-FCE). Based on 800 questionnaire data covering tourists, practitioners, and local residents, the study constructed a multilevel evaluation system (containing 12 specific indexes in the three dimensions of nature, service, and culture) using the Delphi method of expert interviews. It is found that AHP-FCE can effectively analyze the hierarchical relationship of evaluation indexes, but it is easily affected by the subjective judgment of experts. In contrast, FNN can effectively improve evaluation accuracy through the adaptive learning mechanism, and it especially shows significant advantages in dealing with tourists’ perception data. The empirical analysis shows that Guilin has obvious room for improvement in “environmental friendliness” and “cultural communication effectiveness”. The integration framework proposed in this study aims to enhance the scientific validity and accuracy of the assessment results, and provides reference and inspiration for the sustainable development of Guilin international tourism destination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Tourism)

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18 pages, 3894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development and Evaluation of the Application for Assessing the Fall Risk Factors and the Suggestion to Prevent Falls in Older Adults

by Charupa Lektip, Wiroj Jiamjarasrangsi, Charlee Kaewrat, Jiraphat Nawarat, Chadapa Rungruangbaiyok, Lynette Mackenzie, Voravuth Somsak and Nipaporn Wannaprom

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020053 - 5 Jun 2025

Abstract

Falls are a major health concern for older adults, often leading to injuries and reduced independence. This study develops and evaluates a mobile application integrating two validated fall-risk assessment tools—the Stay Independent Brochure (SIB) and the 44-question Thai Home Falls Hazards Assessment Tool [...] Read more.

Falls are a major health concern for older adults, often leading to injuries and reduced independence. This study develops and evaluates a mobile application integrating two validated fall-risk assessment tools—the Stay Independent Brochure (SIB) and the 44-question Thai Home Falls Hazards Assessment Tool (Thai-HFHAT). The app utilizes a cloud-based architecture with a relational database for real-time analytics and user tracking. In Phase 1, 30 healthcare professionals assessed the app’s technical performance and user experience using a modified System Usability Scale (SUS), achieving a high usability score of 85.2. In Phase 2, 67 older adults used the app for self-assessment, with test–retest reliability evaluated over one week. The app showed strong reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of 0.80 for the SIB (Thai-version) and 0.77 for the Thai-HFHAT. Cloud-hosted analytics revealed significant correlations between fall occurrences and both SIB (r = 0.657, p < 0.001) and Thai-HFHAT scores (r = 0.709, p < 0.001), demonstrating the app’s predictive validity. The findings confirm the app’s effectiveness as a self-assessment tool for fall-risk screening among older adults, combining clinical validity with high usability. The integration of culturally adapted tools into a cloud-supported platform demonstrates the value of informatics in geriatric care. Future studies should focus on expanding the app’s reach, incorporating AI-driven risk prediction, enhancing interoperability with electronic health records (EHRs), and improving long-term user engagement to maximize its impact in community settings. Full article

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22 pages, 1088 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Feature Selection Ensemble Model for Price Prediction in Real Estate Markets

by Daniel Cristóbal Andrade-Girón, William Joel Marin-Rodriguez and Marcelo Gumercindo Zuñiga-Rojas

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020052 - 20 May 2025

Abstract

Real estate is crucial to the global economy, propelling economic and social development. This study examines the effects of dimensionality reduction through Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE), Random Forest (RF), and Boruta on real estate price prediction, assessing ensemble models like Bagging, Random Forest, [...] Read more.

Real estate is crucial to the global economy, propelling economic and social development. This study examines the effects of dimensionality reduction through Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE), Random Forest (RF), and Boruta on real estate price prediction, assessing ensemble models like Bagging, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, AdaBoost, Stacking, Voting, and Extra Trees. The results indicate that the Stacking model achieved the best performance with an MAE (mean absolute error) of 14,090, MSE (mean squared error) of 5.338 × 10⁸, RMSE (root mean square error) of 23,100, R² of 0.924, and a Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) of 0.960, also demonstrating notable computational efficiency with a time of 67.23 s. Gradient Boosting closely followed, with an MAE of 14,540, R² of 0.920, and a CCC of 0.958, requiring 1.76 s for computation. Variable reduction through RFE in both Gradient Boosting and Stacking led to an increase in MAE by 16.9% and 14.6%, respectively, along with slight reductions in R² and CCC. The application of Boruta reduced the variables to 16, maintaining performance in Stacking, with an increase in MAE of 9.8% and a R² of 0.908. These dimensionality reduction techniques enhanced computational efficiency and proved effective for practical applications without significantly compromising accuracy. Future research should explore automatic hyperparameter optimization and hybrid approaches to improve the adaptability and robustness of models in complex contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Machine Learning)

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17 pages, 880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigating Learning Burnout Caused by Generative Artificial Intelligence Misuse in Higher Education: A Case Study in Programming Language Teaching

by Xiaorui Dong, Zhen Wang and Shijing Han

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020051 - 20 May 2025

Abstract

The advent of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has significantly transformed the educational landscape. While GenAI offers benefits such as convenient access to learning resources, it also introduces potential risks. This study explores the phenomenon of learning burnout among university students resulting from the [...] Read more.

The advent of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has significantly transformed the educational landscape. While GenAI offers benefits such as convenient access to learning resources, it also introduces potential risks. This study explores the phenomenon of learning burnout among university students resulting from the misuse of GenAI in this context. A questionnaire was designed to assess five key dimensions: information overload and cognitive load, overdependence on technology, limitations of personalized learning, shifts in the role of educators, and declining motivation. Data were collected from 143 students across various majors at Shandong Institute of Petroleum and Chemical Technology in China. In response to the issues identified in the survey, the study proposes several teaching strategies, including cheating detection, peer learning and evaluation, and anonymous feedback mechanisms, which were tested through experimental teaching interventions. The results showed positive outcomes, with students who participated in these strategies demonstrating improved academic performance. Additionally, two rounds of surveys indicated that students’ acceptance of additional learning tasks increased over time. This research enhances our understanding of the complex relationship between GenAI and learning burnout, offering valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers on how to effectively integrate GenAI into education while mitigating its negative impacts and fostering healthier learning environments. The dataset, including detailed survey questions and results, is available for download on GitHub. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Generative AI in Higher Education: Applications, Implications, and Future Directions)

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19 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Deep Learning Models for Audio Classification of Infant Crying in a Baby Monitoring System

by Denisa Maria Herlea, Bogdan Iancu and Eugen-Richard Ardelean

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020050 - 16 May 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the ability of well-known deep learning models, such as ResNet and EfficientNet, to perform audio-based infant cry detection. By comparing the performance of different machine learning algorithms, this study seeks to determine the most effective approach for the detection of [...] Read more.

This study investigates the ability of well-known deep learning models, such as ResNet and EfficientNet, to perform audio-based infant cry detection. By comparing the performance of different machine learning algorithms, this study seeks to determine the most effective approach for the detection of infant crying, enhancing the functionality of baby monitoring systems and contributing to a more advanced understanding of audio-based deep learning applications. Understanding and accurately detecting a baby’s cries is crucial for ensuring their safety and well-being, a concern shared by new and expecting parents worldwide. Despite advancements in child health, as noted by UNICEF’s 2022 report of the lowest ever recorded child mortality rate, there is still room for technological improvement. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of deep learning models for infant cry detection, analyzing the performance of various architectures on spectrogram and MFCC feature representations. A key focus is the comparison between pretrained and non-pretrained models, assessing their ability to generalize across diverse audio environments. Through extensive experimentation, ResNet50 and DenseNet trained on spectrograms emerged as the most effective architectures, significantly outperforming other models in classification accuracy. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of feature extraction techniques, dataset augmentation, and model fine-tuning, providing deeper insights into the role of representation learning in audio classification. The findings contribute to the growing field of audio-based deep learning applications, offering a detailed comparative study of model architectures, feature representations, and training strategies for infant cry detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Machine Learning)

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28 pages, 4160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Overturn of Roe v. Wade: A Term Co-Occurrence Network Analysis of YouTube Comments

by Rodina Bizri-Baryak, Lana V. Ivanitskaya, Elina V. Erzikova and Gary L. Kreps

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020049 - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Objective: This study examines YouTube comments following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, investigating how perceptions of health implications differ based on commenters’ gender and abortion stance. Methods: Using Netlytic, 25,730 comments were extracted from YouTube videos discussing the overturn of Roe v. [...] Read more.

Objective: This study examines YouTube comments following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, investigating how perceptions of health implications differ based on commenters’ gender and abortion stance. Methods: Using Netlytic, 25,730 comments were extracted from YouTube videos discussing the overturn of Roe v. Wade, half of which featured physicians discussing public health implications. Manual coding of 21% of the comments identified discussions on abortion stance and medical implications, while Gender API approximated the commenters’ gender. A term co-occurrence network was generated with VOSviewer to visualize key terms and their interrelations. Custom overlays explored patterns related to gender, abortion views, and medical implications, and comparisons within these overlays intersected with the medical implications overlay to illustrate contextual differences across demographics. Results: Four clusters emerged in the network: Constitutional Law, addressing the U.S. Constitution’s interpretation and legal impacts; Reproductive Rights and Responsibility, discussing alternatives to abortion and access; Human Development, exploring the intersection of abortion laws and individual beliefs; and Religious Beliefs, linking abortion laws to faith. Prochoice users focused on medical and socioeconomic impacts on women, whereas prolife users emphasized the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and moral considerations. Gender analysis revealed males centered on constitutional issues, while females highlighted medical and personal effects. Conclusion: The findings underscore that monitoring YouTube discourse offers valuable insights into public responses to shifts in health policy. Full article

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26 pages, 9421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Machine-Learning-Based Classification of Electronic Devices Using an IoT Smart Meter

by Paulo Eugênio da Costa Filho, Leonardo Augusto de Aquino Marques, Israel da S. Felix de Lima, Ewerton Leandro de Sousa, Márcio Eduardo Kreutz, Augusto V. Neto, Eduardo Nogueira Cunha and Dario Vieira

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020048 - 12 May 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms on resource-constrained edge devices, such as ESP32 and Raspberry Pi, within the context of smart grid (SG) applications. Specifically, it proposes a smart-meter-based system capable of classifying and detecting the Internet of Things [...] Read more.

This study investigates the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms on resource-constrained edge devices, such as ESP32 and Raspberry Pi, within the context of smart grid (SG) applications. Specifically, it proposes a smart-meter-based system capable of classifying and detecting the Internet of Things (IoT) electronic devices at the extreme edge. The smart meter developed in this work acquires real-time voltage and current signals from connected devices, which are used to train and deploy lightweight machine learning models—Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN)—directly on edge hardware. The proposed system is integrated into the Artificial Intelligence in the Internet of Things for Smart Grids IAIoSGT architecture, which supports edge–cloud processing and real-time decision-making. A literature review highlights the key gaps in the existing approaches, particularly the lack of embedded intelligence for load identification at the edge. The experimental results emphasize the importance of data preprocessing—especially normalization—in optimizing model performance, revealing distinct behavior between MLP and KNN models depending on the platform. The findings confirm the feasibility of performing accurate low-latency classification directly on smart meters, reinforcing the potential of scalable AI-powered energy monitoring systems in SG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Smart Cities Continuum via Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence)

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18 pages, 934 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Health-Related Issues of Immersive Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review

by Nkosikhona Theoren Msweli and Mampilo Phahlane

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020047 - 7 May 2025

Abstract

The adoption of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), is transforming sectors like healthcare, education, entertainment, and retail by offering innovative, simulated experiences. These technologies provide significant benefits, such as enhanced learning, improved patient outcomes, and innovative rehabilitation [...] Read more.

The adoption of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), is transforming sectors like healthcare, education, entertainment, and retail by offering innovative, simulated experiences. These technologies provide significant benefits, such as enhanced learning, improved patient outcomes, and innovative rehabilitation tools. However, their use also raises concerns about user comfort and potential health impacts. This systematic literature review examines the positive and negative health implications of immersive technologies, drawing insights from 104 peer-reviewed articles. The findings highlight therapeutic and rehabilitation benefits, such as treating anxiety and improving motor skills, alongside physical health concerns like eye strain and cybersickness, and mental health challenges, including cognitive overload and addiction. The study identifies key demographics most susceptible to these effects, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Recommendations for mitigating risks include ergonomic device design, synchronized sensory inputs, and user training. This research underscores the need for the responsible and ethical development of immersive technologies, ensuring they enhance real-world experiences without compromising user well-being. Future studies should focus on long-term health implications, inclusive design, and establishing guidelines to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. Full article

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27 pages, 411 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Artificial Neural Networks for Image Processing in Precision Agriculture: A Systematic Literature Review on Mango, Apple, Lemon, and Coffee Crops

by Christian Unigarro, Jorge Hernandez and Hector Florez

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020046 - 6 May 2025

Abstract

Precision agriculture is an approach that uses information technologies to improve and optimize agricultural production. It is based on the collection and analysis of agricultural data to support decision making in agricultural processes. In recent years, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have demonstrated significant [...] Read more.

Precision agriculture is an approach that uses information technologies to improve and optimize agricultural production. It is based on the collection and analysis of agricultural data to support decision making in agricultural processes. In recent years, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have demonstrated significant benefits in addressing precision agriculture needs, such as pest detection, disease classification, crop state assessment, and soil quality evaluation. This article aims to perform a systematic literature review on how ANNs with an emphasis on image processing can assess if fruits such as mango, apple, lemon, and coffee are ready for harvest. These specific crops were selected due to their diversity in color and size, providing a representative sample for analyzing the most commonly employed ANN methods in agriculture, especially for fruit ripening, damage, pest detection, and harvest prediction. This review identifies Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), including commonly employed architectures such as VGG16 and ResNet50, as highly effective, achieving accuracies ranging between 83% and 99%. Additionally, it discusses the integration of hardware and software, image preprocessing methods, and evaluation metrics commonly employed. The results reveal the notable underuse of vegetation indices and infrared imaging techniques for detailed fruit quality assessment, indicating valuable opportunities for future research. Full article

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30 pages, 1834 KiB

Open AccessReview

State-of-the-Art Cross-Platform Mobile Application Development Frameworks: A Comparative Study of Market and Developer Trends

by Gregor Jošt and Viktor Taneski

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020045 - 28 Apr 2025

Abstract

Cross-platform mobile application development has gained significant traction in recent years, driven by the growing demand for efficient, cost-effective solutions that cater to both iOS and Android platforms. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of cross-platform mobile application development, emphasizing the industry trends, [...] Read more.

Cross-platform mobile application development has gained significant traction in recent years, driven by the growing demand for efficient, cost-effective solutions that cater to both iOS and Android platforms. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of cross-platform mobile application development, emphasizing the industry trends, framework popularity, and adoption in the job market. By analyzing developer preferences, community engagement, and market demand, this study provides a comprehensive overview of how cross-platform mobile development frameworks shape the mobile development landscape. The research employs a data-driven methodology, drawing insights from three key categories: Developer Sentiment and Survey Data, Community Engagement and Usage Data, and Market Adoption and Job Market Data. By analyzing these factors, the study identifies the key challenges and emerging trends shaping cross-platform mobile application development. It assesses the most widely used frameworks, comparing their strengths and weaknesses in real-world applications. Furthermore, the research examines the industry adoption patterns and the presence of these frameworks in job market trends. Unlike earlier research, which included now-obsolete platforms like Windows Phone and frameworks such as Xamarin, this study is tailored to the current cross-platform mobile application development market landscape. The conclusions offer actionable insights for developers and researchers, equipping them with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving cross-platform mobile application development ecosystem effectively. Full article

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24 pages, 1408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detecting Student Engagement in an Online Learning Environment Using a Machine Learning Algorithm

by Youssra Bellarhmouch, Hajar Majjate, Adil Jeghal, Hamid Tairi and Nadia Benjelloun

Informatics 2025, 12(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12020044 - 28 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper examines online learner engagement, a complex concept encompassing several dimensions (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive) and recognized as a key indicator of learning effectiveness. Engagement involves participation, motivation, persistence, and reflection, facilitating content understanding. Predicting engagement, particularly behavioral engagement, encourages interaction and [...] Read more.

This paper examines online learner engagement, a complex concept encompassing several dimensions (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive) and recognized as a key indicator of learning effectiveness. Engagement involves participation, motivation, persistence, and reflection, facilitating content understanding. Predicting engagement, particularly behavioral engagement, encourages interaction and aids teachers in adjusting their methods. The aim is to develop a predictive model to classify learners based on their engagement, using indicators such as academic outcomes to identify signs of difficulty. This study demonstrates that engagement in quizzes and exams predicts engagement in lessons, promoting personalized learning. We utilized supervised machine learning algorithms to forecast engagement at three levels: quizzes, exams, and lessons, drawing from a Kaggle database. Quiz and exam scores were employed to create predictive models for lessons. The performance of the models was evaluated using classic metrics such as precision, recall, and F1-score. The Decision Tree model emerged as the best performer among those evaluated, achieving 97% and 98.49% accuracy in predicting quiz and exam engagement, respectively. The K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and Gradient Boosting models also showed commendable performance, albeit slightly less effective than the Decision Tree. The results indicate a strong correlation between engagement predictions across the three levels. This suggests that engagement in quizzes and exams, known as assessments, is a pertinent indicator of overall engagement. Active learners tend to perform better in these assessments. Early identification of at-risk learners allows for targeted interventions, optimizing their engagement. Full article

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